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(65) 6836 1480
Consultant Dermatologist
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Internal Medicine),
MRCP (UK), FAMS (Dermatology),
Corr. Fellow, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Mole removal surgery is a dermatological procedure performed to remove moles for medical, functional or cosmetic reasons. Learn more about when mole removal may be recommended, the different treatment methods available and what to expect during the procedure.
Moles develop when pigment-producing cells, known as melanocytes, grow in clusters instead of being evenly
distributed throughout the skin. Their formation is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental
factors, with sun exposure often playing an important role in the development of some moles.
Most moles appear during childhood and early adulthood, with new moles commonly developing until around the age
of 25–30. It is normal for an individual to have between 10–40 moles across different parts of the body.
Over time, moles may gradually become raised, lighten or darken in colour, or even fade and disappear naturally.
While these slow changes are often part of the normal ageing process, sudden or rapid changes in a mole's size,
shape, colour or border should be assessed by a dermatologist, as they may require further evaluation.
Most moles are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous and do not pose a health risk. These moles are usually
uniform in colour, round or oval in shape and remain relatively unchanged over time. However, a small number of
moles may become malignant, meaning they contain cancerous cells that require prompt medical attention.
While it is not always possible to determine whether a mole is benign or malignant based on appearance alone,
certain changes may warrant further evaluation. Dermatologists commonly use the ABCDE rule when assessing
suspicious moles:
One half of the mole does not match the other half in shape or appearance.
The mole has multiple colours or uneven pigmentation, such as varying shades of brown, black, red, blue or white.
The mole is larger than approximately 6 mm, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
The edges are irregular, uneven, blurred or poorly defined.
The mole changes in size, shape, colour, texture or symptoms such as itching, bleeding or crusting over time.
Although these features may raise suspicion when noticed by a patient, only a dermatologist can determine whether further investigation or mole removal is necessary.
Our clinic is able to determine whether the mole is benign and advise you on whether further investigation or removal is recommended.
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Early evaluation can help distinguish benign moles from those requiring further investigation or treatment.
You should consider seeing a dermatologist if you:
While most moles are harmless, it is important to have them assessed if they become symptomatic or develop unusual features.
There are plenty of reasons why people have their moles removed. Most of the time, the reasons are purely aesthetic or functional. The mole may seem unattractive, or it’s a nuisance, constantly rubbing against clothing or getting caught on things. Some moles, however, need to be removed because there is a risk that they might be or might turn malignant.
Most moles do not require treatment and can simply be monitored over time. However, dermatologists may
recommend mole removal if a mole becomes symptomatic, appears suspicious or causes functional or cosmetic
concerns.
Mole removal may be recommended if you:
Following a comprehensive skin assessment, your dermatologist will determine whether mole removal is appropriate and recommend the most suitable removal method based on the mole's characteristics and location.
There are two main methods of mole removal surgery. These are:
Most commonly used to remove raised moles, this method involves using a scalpel or razor to shave off the
mole little by little until there are no more traces of the growth on the skin. Electrosurgery and laser may
also be used to trim the growth down to skin level. However, these techniques completely destroy the removed
tissue, and are thus not suitable for biopsies.
For smaller moles that are benign, a special punching device is used to “punch out” a pipe-shaped piece of
skin containing the mole. The removed tissue can then be sent for further assessment.
Surgical excision is considered an effective way to remove moles, and it involves cutting out the mole entirely, along with a small amount of skin and tissue surrounding the treated area. This is also the method used to extract sample tissue for biopsies, which are used to determine the nature of the mole.
Mole removal begins with a consultation and skin assessment to determine whether the mole appears benign, requires further investigation or is suitable for removal. Your dermatologist will then recommend the most appropriate method based on the mole’s size, depth, location and appearance.
The mole is examined for changes in size, shape, colour, border and other features that may require closer evaluation. Your dermatologist will also ask about any symptoms, such as itching, bleeding, pain or repeated irritation.
The recommended technique will be explained before treatment. Surgical excision may be selected when the entire mole and a small margin of surrounding skin need to be removed, while a surgical shave may be used for suitable raised moles.
The treatment area is cleaned before local anaesthetic is injected around the mole. This numbs the area so that the procedure can be performed with minimal discomfort.
For surgical excision, the mole is cut out completely using a scalpel. The wound is then closed with stitches and covered with a dressing. The removed tissue may be sent for laboratory examination if further assessment is needed.
For a surgical shave, the dermatologist carefully removes the raised portion of the mole in thin layers until it is level with the surrounding skin. Stitches are usually not required, although the treated area will be dressed and allowed to heal naturally.
After the procedure, you will receive wound-care instructions and advice on what to expect during recovery.
Learn more about our mole removal specialist and how personalised assessment and treatment planning can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
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Recovery after mole removal is generally straightforward, although healing time depends on the size of the
mole, the removal method used and its location on the body. Your dermatologist will provide wound care
instructions to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Most people are able to resume normal
daily activities shortly after the procedure.
During recovery, you may experience mild redness, swelling, tenderness or scabbing around the treated area. If
stitches are used, they may be removed during a follow-up visit or dissolve naturally, depending on the type of
sutures. It is also important to keep the wound clean, avoid picking at the scab and protect the area from
excessive sun exposure to support optimal healing and minimise scarring.
Mole removal is a commonly performed dermatological procedure and is generally considered safe when carried out
by an experienced dermatologist. As with any minor surgical procedure, however, there are potential risks and
complications.
These may include:
Your dermatologist will discuss these potential risks during your consultation and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach based on your individual skin condition.
Not every mole should be removed in the same way, and not every mole should be removed at all. At LL Cheong Skin & Laser Clinic, our approach begins with an accurate dermatological assessment to determine whether a mole is
benign, requires further investigation or is suitable for removal. This ensures that treatment decisions are
based on both medical safety and your individual concerns.
Your care is led by Consultant Dermatologist Dr Cheong Lai Leng, who recommends the most appropriate removal
technique according to the mole's size, depth, location and cosmetic considerations. By tailoring treatment to
each patient rather than applying a single approach, Dr Cheong aims to achieve effective removal while
preserving the best possible cosmetic outcome.
If you are considering mole removal for medical, functional or cosmetic reasons, contact us today to discuss the
most appropriate treatment option for your needs.
Most moles do not grow back after they have been completely removed. However, recurrence is possible if mole cells remain beneath the skin or if the original mole was only partially removed. If a mole reappears after treatment, it should be reviewed by your dermatologist.
Mole removal is usually performed under local anaesthesia, so the procedure itself is generally not painful. You may experience mild soreness or tenderness after the anaesthetic wears off, but this typically improves within a few days.
No. Attempting to remove a mole yourself can lead to bleeding, infection, scarring and incomplete removal. More importantly, removing a mole without a proper assessment may delay the diagnosis of skin cancer or another underlying skin condition. Mole removal should always be performed by a qualified dermatologist.
Not every removed mole requires a biopsy. If your dermatologist identifies suspicious features during the assessment or removal, the tissue may be sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to determine whether any abnormal or cancerous cells are present.
Healing time depends on the size of the mole, its location and the removal method used. Most wounds heal over several weeks, although the scar may continue to mature and fade over the following months. Your dermatologist will provide aftercare instructions to support optimal healing and minimise scarring.
Medical dermatology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails
Aesthetic dermatology focuses on helping patients address individual concerns
Surgical dermatology involves procedures to diagnose, remove or treat various skin conditions and growths
Consultant Dermatologist
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Internal Medicine),
MRCP (UK), FAMS (Dermatology),
Corr. Fellow, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Dr Cheong Lai Leng is a Consultant Dermatologist with over 20 years of clinical experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin lesions, including benign and suspicious moles. She provides comprehensive skin assessments to determine whether a mole requires monitoring, further investigation or removal, before recommending the most appropriate treatment approach. Her personalised care focuses on achieving safe and effective mole removal while considering both medical needs and cosmetic outcomes.
